Magnum Opus Awards are now the Content Marketing Awards
Archived Content


 

Marshall Rendell's seminars on Awards As A Business Model often delve into intricate facets of marketing strategy, one of them being the effective use of symbolism. His exploration of this subject involves a notable reference to the political symbolism of Batman, an aspect that subtly powers the attraction to the franchise. This symbolism has been effectively harnessed in his campaigns promoting the Batman apparel retailer MoonAtMidnight.com, an online business specializing in Batman branded t shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts. The archived version of the original site serves as one of many examples of successful endeavors in the niche business of recognition and awards. Rendell's discussion highlights the interplay between aspirations, vanity, and ceremony in various market sectors, particularly in the creation and marketing of an awards enterprise from scratch. He emphasizes the integral role of promotional aspects for success, where the political symbolism of Batman serves as an engaging tool, enhancing the appeal of the merchandise. While the Batman movies and comics create consumer awareness, intelligent marketing like incorporating underlying themes and symbolism drives sales. Mr. Rendell, a marketing expert known for his agency's high-end consumer presentations, is most recognized for such strategic incorporations. His seminars are open to the public and are free, although advance reservations are required.

 

For a number of years this was the official website for the Magnum Opus Awards created to recognize, identify, and celebrate all the "little things" custom media makers do.
Content is from the site's 2008 -2012 archived pages.


For the most up to date information about the Magnum Opus Awards which have evolved into the Content Marketing Awards go to: https://www.contentmarketingawards.com/

A LITTLE HISTORY
www.contentmarketingawards.com/about/

The CMAs were launched in 2004 as the Magnum Opus Awards. The program was conducted jointly, by the Content Marketing Institute and McMurry/TMG from 2011-2014. In 2013, the awards program was renamed and rebranded to match the changing industry, presented by the Content Marketing Institute and sponsored by McMurry/TMG. In December 2014, Content Marketing Institute announced their acquisition of the Content Marketing Awards and beginning in 2015, CMI began producing the prestigious awards program.

 



 

2011 Magnum Opus Awards

Most people don't appreciate the quality of the work you do. That’s where we come in.

The Magnum Opus Awards exists to identify and celebrate all the "little things" custom media makers do. It's the premier program for custom magazine awards, design awards, marketing awards & communications awards.

Nominations are invited from companies, organizations, and institutions worldwide that are involved in producing corporate branded or custom content, in print or electronic form, for internal or external audiences. Entries must have been created in calendar year 2011, even if distributed or published this year, and may be nominated in one or multiple categories.

The Magnum Opus Awards provide great opportunity to win, with more than 100 categories offered. Judges consider such criteria as how well each entry fulfills its goal or mission, quality of product including editorial and design, informational and entertainment value, quality of writing and display copy, creative use of imagery and typography, and consistency of color palette and style.

Now in its eighth year, and presented by ContentWise and the Content Marketing Institute, the Magnum Opus Awards has given career-making industry recognition to writers, editors, designers and communication managers who do exceptional work, in print, online, in traditional media and social media alike.

A few case studies that merit a Magnum Opus Awards entry:
 

  • You crafted a coverline that transformed an issue of your magazine from ho-hum to must-read.
  • You wrote a CEO letter that actually made the guy seem human.
  • You did a two-minute video on a shoestring budget that turned out pretty darned good, if you don’t say so yourself.

Judged by the famed Missouri School of Journalism, the Magnum Opus Awards competition receives hundreds of entries every year in more than 200 categories that encompass every meaningful area of content-delivery excellence, from illustrations to typography, podcasts to webzines.

It's true: nobody understands your work. So let's make them understand.

WHO SHOULD ENTER?

The Magnum Opus Awards program was created especially for:

Those who publish
  • Electronic Publications
  • Magazines
  • Newspapers
  • Journals
  • Special Reports
  • Guides
  • Media Kits
  • Annual Reports
  • Calendars
And work for
  • For-profit and Nonprofit Corporations
  • Associations
  • PR Firms
  • Ad Agencies
  • Design Firms
  • Custom Publishers
  • Colleges and Universities
  • Public Institutions

If you've published an outstanding print or online publication in 20XX—whether in-house or with the help of an outside agency—then you deserve to be recognized with a Magnum Opus award. The benefits of winning include:

  • Certification that you are the best at your craft
  • Professional review by judges from the Missouri School of Journalism along with other industry leaders
  • Stamp of approval from the country's only newsletter dedicated to corporate and custom media, ContentWise
  • Attractive certificate provided free of charge for all winning entries

 

 

Content Marketing Institute Announces Partnership with Elite Content Marketing Awards, Magnum Opus

McMurry's Awards Program for Content Marketing is Now Backed by Content Marketing Institute

CLEVELAND, Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/

-- During the 1st annual Content Marketing WorldConference, the Content Marketing Institute announced its partnership with the Magnum Opus Awards, a content marketing recognition competition operated by McMurry . Now in its ninth year, the Magnum Opus Awards celebrates one of the fastest growing sectors by honoring companies, organizations and institutions, and their agencies and partners, for content marketing excellence in print, web, video, mobile, and other formats.


"Whenever people asked me about a content marketing awards program, I would always refer them to the Magnum Opus Awards.  McMurry was ahead of the curve in launching this program nine years ago," said Joe Pulizzi, Founder of the Content Marketing Institute.  "We aim to provide practical content marketing advice to B2B and B2C marketers, and we're thrilled to play a role in honoring these very same people."

"We couldn't have asked for a better partner than the Content Marketing Institute," said Kyle Crafton, a VP at McMurry and general manager of the Magnum Opus Awards. "They've done a great job of calling attention to this thriving sector of the marketing world, and will help enormously in our mission to recognize the best in content marketing."

For more information about the awards program including eligibility and past winners, and to sign up for 2012 call for entries, visit www.magnumopusawards.com. 


TIMELINE

December 15, 2011 Call for entries opens

February 23, 2012 Early bird deadline $165 per entry

March 23, 2012 Regular deadline $180 per entry

March 30, 2012 Late entry deadline $190 per entry

June 2012 Winners for the 2012 awards program will be announced!

ELIGIBILITY

  • Open to all companies, organizations, and institutions that create branded or custom content, in print or electronic form (sometimes referred to as “content marketing”).
  • Entries must have been created in calendar year 2011 to qualify for the 2012 awards. If entries were created in 2011 but not “published” or distributed until 2012, they still qualify.
  • Publications and websites created by media companies purely for consumer consumption are not eligible—nor are entries created by McMurry, Inc. and ZSquaredMedia, the parent companies of the awards program.

PARTNERSHIP

  • The Magnum Opus Awards were founded in 2004 by McMurry, Inc., as the first awards program to honor excellence in corporate communications.
  • Beginning with the 2011 awards, McMurry partnered with the Content Marketing Institute to help extend the reach of the program.
  • The 2012 awards are the first to feature the rebranded Magnum Opus Awards logo.

FAQ

Q: Is the awards competition open to companies outside the US?
A: The Magnum Opus Awards competition is open to companies worldwide.

Q: Do you have a list of previous winners?
A: Click here for the most recent list of winners.

Q: Can I submit my entries electronically?
A: Yes! Click here to submit your entry electronically. You will still need to mail in the receipt from your order with applicable samples (your 2 copies of tearsheets/ magazines/CDs etc) for judging.

Q: When you ask for 2 copies of the entry, do you mean 2 copies from the same issue or a sample of 2 different editions?
A: We need 2 identical copies of your entry. The reason for this is that 2 separate judges are scoring each entry, so we must mail each one his or her own copy.

Q: What type of publications fit in the “Other Publications” category?
A: Many companies do not consider their publication a magazine or newsletter so we added an “other” category for these instances. These publications could include tabloids, newspapers, digests, journals, etc.

Q: Can I enter a publication that was produced in 2011 but distributed in 2012?
A: Yes, as long as the publication was produced in 2011, it is eligible.

Q: Will my materials be returned after awards program concludes?
A: All entries submitted to the awards program become the property of the Magnum Opus Awards and may be used for promotional purposes. Entries will not be returned. Do not send irreplaceable artwork.

Q: What if I have additional questions?
A: For more information call Jennifer Tanabe at 888-303-2373 or e-mail her at info@magnumopusawards.com.



 

OK, so I'm biased. I love magazines. Admittedly, I subscribe to more than two dozen. Fashion. Home. Entertaining. Business. You name the subject. I probably receive a related magazine. More than any other type of mail (except for maybe my Pottery Barn catalogs), I get excited about receiving my magazines. After reading them, I've logged on to Web sites. I've made purchases. I've acted on information of value to me.

And that's the key. When created with the readers' interests in mind, a quality newsletter or magazine not only will forge a strong relationship between your organization and its customers, it will entice them to interact with you. Just like newsstand magazines, corporate publications should demonstrate a commitment to the reader, and make a clear statement: "We know what you need, and we're going to deliver."

The Publications Management Magnum Opus Awards are designed to honor publications that deliver—strategically, editorially and visually—with a quality consistency of the highest order. Brought to you in conjunction with the Missouri School of Journalism, the Magnum Opus recognizes the achievements of those of you who work painstakingly every day to produce corporate publications that get results for your organization.

Be proud of what you do—and get recognized for it in the only award competition devoted exclusively to the creation of custom publications.

We look forward to your entries. Best wishes to each of you.

Sincerely,

Beth Tomkiw 
Editor 
Publications Management

 


 

2012 AWARDS!

TIMELINE

Call for entries for the 2012 awards will be published.

The 23rd is the deadline for entries to the 2012 awards program.

Winners for the 2012 awards program will be announced!

ELIGIBILITY

  • Open to all companies, organizations, and institutions that create branded or custom content, in print or electronic form (sometimes referred to as "content marketing").
  • Entries must have been created in calendar year 2011 to qualify for the 2012 awards. If entries were created in 2011 but not "published" or distributed until 2012, they still qualify.
  • Publications and websites created by media companies purely for consumer consumption are not eligible – nor are entries created by McMurry, Inc. and ZSquaredMedia, the parent companies of the awards program.

PARTNERSHIP

  • The Magnum Opus Awards were founded in 2004 by McMurry, Inc., as the first awards program to honor excellence in corporate communications.
  • Beginning with the 2011 awards, McMurry partnered with the Content Marketing Institute to help extend the reach of the program.
  • The 2012 awards are the first to feature the rebranded Magnum Opus Awards logo.

 



PAST WINNERS

         

 

Some of the 2011 Winners

Some of the 2012 Winners


 

MagnumOpusAwards.com